Johannesburg – Ball-tampering accusations made by Australia will be used as a motivating factor for the Proteas, coach Russell Domingo said on Wednesday.
“It’s always disappointing when guys throw those accusations around," he said in Cape Town, ahead of the third and final Test against Australia.
"We’re a seriously motivated team. I suppose we've added 10 percent to our motivation levels after the comments he made."
Australian batsman David Warner reportedly told Sky Sports Radio the Australians found issue with wicket-keeper AB de Villiers' method of handling the ball.
“We were questioning whether... De Villiers would get the ball in his hand, and with his glove wipe the rough side every ball," he reportedly said.
Domingo said the current South African team always played the game in a sporting manner.
"We pride ourselves on playing the game as honestly and openly as possible.
"I don't think it's a nice comment he made. It doesn't sound nice when sides are accusing ... I don't think it should be done."
Domingo said he expected Graeme Smith to make a contribution with the bat at Newlands.
The skipper had struggled for runs in the series with a total of 37 runs from four innings and a top score of 14.
"Graeme's record speaks for itself. It's very seldom he goes through a series without making a contribution and I'm talking about with the bat because he makes a massive contribution as a leader.
"It's not something I'm too fazed about, he's a quality player."
After left-arm speedster Mitchell Johnson blew away the South African lineup with a dozen wickets in the first Test in Centurion, the hosts produced a much-improved performance against in the second Test.
Domingo said his side would not underestimate the threat Johnson posed.
"He's been in great form over the last couple of months and if we get complacent against Mitchell Johnson it will be at our own peril.
"I don't think we've nullified him at all. He's had an impact against South Africa before, and he probably will at some stage again. But we've also had some success against him before.
"We can take a lot of confidence from how we played him in Port Elizabeth, but there'll always be something in the back of your mind – knowing he's the guy that can turn a session or match around." – Sapa.